Dispute Settlement  
     
 

The Parties shall enter into consultations within a period of no more than 15 days after the date of receipt of the request for matters concerning perishable goods or
30 days after the date of receipt of the request for all other matters.

The consulting Parties shall make every attempt to reach a mutually satisfactory resolution of any matter through consultations. To this end, the consulting Parties shall:

(a) provide sufficient information to enable a full examination of how the actual or proposed measure or other matter might affect the operation and application of this Agreement; and
(b) treat any confidential information exchanged in the course of consultations on the same basis as the Party providing the information.

If the disputing Parties so agree, good offices, conciliation and mediation are procedures undertaken voluntarily.

If the consulting Parties fail to resolve the matter, then an arbitral tribunal will be established. The reports of the arbitral tribunal shall be drafted without the presence of the Parties and shall be based on the relevant provisions of this Agreement and the submissions and arguments of the Parties.

The arbitral tribunal shall present a final report to the disputing Parties, including any separate opinions on matters not unanimously agreed, within 30 days of presentation of the initial report, unless the disputing Parties otherwise agree.